Foundation offers chance to be a philanthropist

May 26, 2013

By Rob Glidden
Staff Writer

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is kicking off another year of its Catalyst Fund on Tuesday, June 18 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut.
This initiative is designed to give community members a chance to contribute to charitable efforts without having to give huge amounts of time or money. The fund has been active for a decade and has led to grants funding a wide variety of programs in the four towns served by the foundation – Southington, Plainville, New Britain and Berlin.
One recent example of an effort made possible by the Catalyst Fund is the “House of Heroes” program, which provided home repair and renovations for local veterans in Southington. Similar efforts are planned for Plainville and Berlin in the near future.
“It’s a great way for people to come together and have an impact beyond their individual means,” said Jim Williamson, president of the foundation. “It’s collective philanthropy.”
Those who participate in the fund are asked for a donation of $250 per individual or family and the group gathers three times each year to discuss how to spend the total funds. The end result is a $10,000 grant given out to the cause the group decides on.
Williamson said the total donations often exceed that amount, but the extra funds are placed into an endowment that is intended for other philanthropic means. This endowment currently has $125,000.
“This is your chance to be the philanthropist you’ve always wanted to be,” said David Obedzinkski, co-chairman of this year’s effort, in a prepared statement. “The Catalyst Fund makes it easy to be charitable.”
The meeting will be held on June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. Those who are interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Kaylah Smith at 229-6018, ext. 305.